New Waterwerken Zoutkamp gets underway!

Signing of cooperation agreement

Prior to this moment, the three administrators signed the cooperation agreement. Within this project, the three authorities work together to carry out the work in Zoutkamp and the surrounding area. In addition to water and traffic safety, the economy, quality of life, and ecology of Zoutkamp and the surrounding area will also be improved, and tourism will be stimulated. The work will be completed in 2025.

Construction of new pumping station and restoration of the lock

The immediate reason for the work in Zoutkamp is the need to build a new pumping station at the Hunsingo lock. In order to mitigate the effects of climate change until 2050, greater pumping capacity is needed to drain water more quickly when large amounts of water accumulate in a short period of time. Councillor with special responsibilities Eisse Luitjens indicates that this task offers the water authority an opportunity to work on added value for Zoutkamp and the surrounding area, in addition to water safety. "By joining forces with the residents of Zoutkamp, the municipality, and the provincial executive, a water-safety task has become a heritage-inclusive regional task." The current H.D. Louwes pumping station will be replaced by a new one called the Hunsingo pumping station. The name, chosen by residents, refers to the location of the new pumping station. It is located where the Hunsingo canal flows into the lake Lauwersmeer. The electrically powered pumping station will have a capacity of 1,600 m3/minute. The Hunsingo lock, a national monument, will be restored and converted into a navigation lock, including the high wooden lock gates. This will make the old sea dyke a regional flood defence. In addition, facilities will be installed for fish, otters, pond bats, and birds, among others. The bank protection on the north and south banks of the Hunsingo canal will be replaced.  

Boosting quality of life, traffic safety, and recreation & tourism

In addition to the Hunsingo lock, the original Muralt revetment on the old sea dyke also forms part of the cultural heritage. Restoring this revetment is also included in this project. Furthermore, developing recreation and tourism is important for the village. For example, it will be studied whether it could be possible for cyclists to cycle on the dyke along Reitdiep from Zoutkamp to Electra in the future. Recreational boating can use the new mooring facilities in the Hunsingo canal and in the Reitdiep marina. There will also be a landing point for canoeists and rowers at the jetty. Shell paths will be laid to create a good walking connection between the car park at the ice rink, the marina, and the village. Finally, the construction of a new pedestrian bridge will allow pedestrians to cross safely from Spuistraat to pumping station and lock. This bridge will connect the village to the new cycle path along the provincial road. As councillor of Het Hogeland, Stefan van Keijzerswaard is keen to put the village of Zoutkamp on the map for tourists: "We are delighted that there will be a lot of investment in and around Zoutkamp in the coming years. The approach to this project demonstrates the significant added value of cooperation between authorities and, in particular, representatives of residents and other interested parties. This is precisely where you can find and use great opportunities to achieve something extra, in addition to doing what is necessary. In this project, we are improving road safety with a number of infrastructural changes and also ensuring a more pleasant living environment and a boost to recreation and tourism."

Together with the environment

In addition to the provincial executive, municipality, and water authority, the residents of Zoutkamp are also important partners in the project. There is close contact with the Zoutkamp Village Interest Association and immediate neighbours during the development of the plans and in the coordination of the project's implementation. Daan Oostindiën, chairman of the Zoutkamp Village Interest Association, says that "the village really appreciates how everyone is included in the plans. The residents of Zoutkamp appreciate the openness and transparency with which this is being done. People understand the interests of Zoutkamp. This gives us a shared ambition to make Zoutkamp attractive for residents and tourists."

About New Waterworks Zoutkamp

Under the name 'Nieuwe Waterwerken Zoutkamp' (New Waterworks Zoutkamp), the Noorderzijlvest Water Authority is working with the Groningen Provincial Executive and the municipality of Het Hogeland on plans to guarantee water safety and combine this with additional opportunities for Zoutkamp and the surrounding area. Improving traffic safety is part of the plans. Efforts are also made to preserve cultural history, enhance the quality of life, and strengthen the economy of Zoutkamp. This means a new pumping station at Hunsingo lock, and converting the historic Hunsingo lock in the former sea dyke into a navigation lock. This will give  the sea dyke a regional flood-defence function. In addition, water and traffic safety will be improved, tourism and recreational opportunities around lake Lauwersmeer will be expanded, and recreational boating towards Hogeland and the city of Groningen will be strengthened. The project is jointly financed by the National Programme Groningen, the Wadden Fund, the Heritage Deal, and the Subsidence Commission.

More information 

More information about the New Waterworks Zoutkamp project